Morning all, Stormina has been out and about again, enjoying yet more cabaret – no I don’t have a life outside the cabaret world. This month it was one that I felt should have been featured a long time ago. It’s Apothecary Cabaret at Haunt in stoke Newington.

Produced by Mariposa Bop, Apothecary is described as a journey into the drug-addled dreams of a 19th Century Apothecary as he “samples many a concoction, unction and tincture, in an attempt to cure his many ills.” With differing hosts and performers every month, it’s certain that no two Apothecaries are ever the same. I have to admit that this months show was a particularly good one with an especially ludicrous line up of lovelies. Held together by the delightfully sassy, Virgin Xtravaganzah, this line up provided darkness and light in perfect proportion.

I genuinely love Loretta Von Dini who performs burlesque while performing magic tricks flawlessly. I love it when magicians make mistakes and I can guess how the trick is done, super annoyingly I have never seen Loretta make any mistakes so I have no choice but to conclude that she is a witch.

Adding to the darkness was Rosie Kohl who performed a genuinely mesmerising, ‘unsettling’ belly dance and Fifi Fantome who took us from Louis Armstrong to Florence and the Machine and will haunt my nightmares forever. There was also Mr Grimez who performed spoken word with honesty and charisma that is rarely seen.

Bringing some light to proceedings were the hilariously whimsical Dotti Moscati and Ginger Tarte. As well as being my new best friend, Dotti’s body positive beach act had the entire audience in stitches. For our second seaside themed act, Ginger Tarte fell in love with a shark. I don’t even feel the need to say anymore on that.

Diva Regina brought some much needed dignity to the show, with her breath-taking vocals and political subject matter. Singing about Politics and International Relations in 5 languages. It’s about time someone brought some decorum to the cabaret genre and this lady is highly decorous.

Next month Apothecary will be hosted by the incomparable Driscoll Bleak who will be presenting another amazing line up; it is not to be missed.

Stage Management Note

Poppy Liqueur: One of the top 2 bottoms in Burlesque. Tidies up the stage like a pro.

Stormina’s Top 3

Diva Regina’s Costume reveal

I don’t want to ruin the reveal but you all know how much I love a costume becoming another costume? I really really do!

Dotti Miscotti wriggling her way out of an inflatable doughnut rubber ring.

So. Goddamn. Funny.

Dance off in tribute to Chalkilicious (pictured)

As Chalkilicious (beloved Luscious fave and compulsive Apothecary game participant) is currently on his annual pilgrimage to The Edinburgh Fringe, the game this month was one of his favourites. Two poor audience members had to wiggle off to a 90’s mega mix wearing chalkilicious masks. It was one of the best things I’ve ever seen. If that makes no sense to you, you are better off for it.